Method and apparatus for controlling a burning candle flame

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for controlling a candle flame. A candle flame may be provided in a controllable environment, e.g., an enclosed area formed at least in part by an air-tight cover. Air may be forced into the enclosed area by an air movement device (e.g., a fan) to keep the flame burning. The flame may be extinguished by reducing (e.g., stopping) air flow into the enclosed area.

This application is a continuation in part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/981,922, filed Nov. 5, 2004, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention relates to controlling a burning flame, e.g., controllingthe burning of a candle.

Safety is a typical concern when candles are burned in a house orotherwise where people or flammable objects are present. The open flameof a candle is capable of catching curtains, clothing or other objectson fire, or burning a person through even inadvertent contact.

Another consideration when burning candles is the tendency of high windor other air movement to blow the flame out. As is known in the art,various devices, such as lanterns, shades, etc., have been developed tohelp prevent a candle flame from being extinguished by wind.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide methods and apparatus for controllingthe burning of a candle. As used herein, a “candle” refers to any deviceor substance that may have an open flame or otherwise be burned,including stick candles, votive candles, jar candles, incense, oil lampsor any other device having a wick or similar element to burn a fuel,etc. In some aspects of the invention, a candle may be burned in anenclosed area so that people and objects around the candle's flame areprevented from contacting the flame. Air flow into the enclosed area maybe controlled so that the flame is extinguished when air is no longerprovided into the enclosed area. For example, a fan may move air intothe enclosed area, providing air for combustion. If the fan stops movingair, the flame may not receive enough air for combustion and beextinguished, e.g., within 1-5 minutes or less.

In another aspect of the invention, the environment in which a candlemay be burned may be enclosed so that wind and other external factorshave little or no influence on the burning of the candle. Also, thepresence of flammable gases, such as natural gas or gasoline vapors, maybe detected, and the flame extinguished so as to reduce the likelihoodof igniting the gases.

In one aspect of the invention, a flame control system for a candleincludes a cover or enclosure that defines an enclosed area arranged tohouse a candle having a burning flame for an extended period. The covermay be air-tight in portions above the bottom, and may have an openingat a lower end to allow air to enter the enclosed area, and to allowcombustion products from the flame to exit. An air supply may provideair into the enclosed area, and the flame may be extinguished when thesupply of air into the enclosed area drops below a threshold level.

In another illustrative embodiment, a flame control system includes anenclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is positionable, andan air movement device that causes air to be provided into the enclosedarea for the burning flame. The enclosed area may be constructed andarranged so that when the air is not caused to be provided into theenclosed area by the air movement device, the flame is extinguished,e.g., within 5 minutes, 1-2 minutes or less.

In one aspect of the invention, a flame control system includes a radialexhaust feature, e.g., to help disperse the exhaust gases produced by aburning candle. If the candle is scented or otherwise produces materialsthat the user would like to spread about a room or other space, theradial exhaust feature may help to disperse the scent or other materialsmore evenly and/or quickly. As used herein, a radial direction is onethat approximately originates at the axis and is oriented generally awayfrom an axis. In the case that the axis is arranged in a verticaldirection, radial directions may be oriented generally away from theaxis and each other, and may be arranged in a horizontal directionand/or at an angle to the horizontal. The flame control system mayinclude an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in which a burningflame of a candle is positionable approximately at a vertical axis. Asupport may be constructed and arranged to support the candle with theburning flame positioned in the enclosed area, and exhaust outlets maydirect exhaust from the enclosed area in at least two different radialdirections relative to the vertical axis. An air movement device maycause air to be provided into the enclosed area for the burning flameand cause exhaust from the enclosed area to move in the exhaust outlets.The enclosure and the enclosed area may be arranged so that when the airmovement device reduces a flow of air provided into the enclosed areabelow a threshold, the flame is extinguished within 5 minutes, within1-2 minutes or less.

In one embodiment, exhaust in the enclosed area may enter each exhaustoutlet in a generally vertical direction and is directed in a directionradially away from the vertical axis. The support may include a centralregion that supports the candle and the exhaust outlets may be at leastpartially formed by the support, which may include a plurality ofexhaust openings arranged around the central region. The support mayalso include a plurality of inlet openings that form inlets by which airis introduced into the enclosed area, and the inlet openings and exhaustopenings may be alternately arranged around the central region and bepositioned below the burning flame.

In another aspect of the invention, air may be introduced into theenclosed area so that the burning flame generally does not lean, is not“pushed” in one direction or another, and/or otherwise generally remainsaligned with a vertical axis. In one embodiment, avoiding flame “push”may be achieved by introducing air into the enclosed embodiment from twoor more radial directions into the enclosed area. The air may bebalanced so that the candle flame generally remains vertical and is not“pushed.” Thus a flame control system may include an enclosure thatdefines an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle ispositionable with the burning flame being positioned approximately at avertical axis. A support may be constructed and arranged to support thecandle with the burning flame positioned in the enclosed area, and anair inlet may be arranged to provide air into the enclosed area forcombustion by the flame. An air movement device, such as a fan, maycause air to be provided into the enclosed area via the air inlet forthe burning flame, and the enclosure and the enclosed area may bearranged so that when the air movement device reduces a flow of airprovided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flame isextinguished within 5 minutes. The air inlet may be constructed andarranged to introduce air into the enclosed area so that the burningflame remains generally aligned along the vertical axis while burning,e.g., the air inlet may include a plurality of ducts that direct air ina radial direction relative to the vertical axis into the enclosed area.Air inlet openings may be arranged around a central region of thesupport that supports the candle, and may be alternately arranged withexhaust openings that exhaust gases from the enclosed area. Air maytravel generally vertically, e.g., under the force of a fan, in theducts and be directed in a radial direction to exit an inlet opening andenter the enclosed area. In one embodiment, air introduced into theenclosed area may reflects off of the enclosure and be directed backgenerally toward the flame.

In another aspect of the invention, a shield may be provided around theenclosure, e.g., to prevent touching of the enclosure which, althoughgenerally cooler than the flame, may still be warm to the touch. In oneembodiment, a flame control system may include an enclosure that definesan enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is positionablewith the burning flame being positioned approximately at a verticalaxis. A shield may be positioned around the enclosure and be arranged toprevent human hand contact with the enclosure. The shield may alsoinclude vents to permit air to into a lower portion of the space betweenthe shield and the enclosure and to permit air to exit an upper portionof the space, e.g., to allow cooling air to circulate in the space. Asupport may be constructed and arranged to support the candle with theburning flame positioned in the enclosed area, and an air movementdevice may cause air to be provided into the enclosed area for theburning flame.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent and/or obviousfrom the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the invention are described with reference to the followingdrawings in which like numerals reference like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a flamecontrol system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a sectional side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustratingair inlet features of the system;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustratingexhaust features of the system; and

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of a portion of the support which definesportions of the inlet and exhaust ducts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the invention are described below with reference toillustrative embodiments. However, it should be understood that aspectsof the invention are not limited to those embodiments described below,but instead may be used in any suitable system or arrangement.

Aspects of the invention provide a controllable environment, e.g., anenclosed area, in which a candle flame may be housed and controlled.Thus, the candle flame may be housed in a cover or other enclosure andselectively permitted to burn for an extended period (e.g., 1 hour ormore), have its burn rate adjusted, and/or be extinguished. The candleflame burn rate may be adjusted or the flame extinguished by controllingair flow into and/or out of the controllable environment. At least someaspects of the invention extinguish a candle flame by denying the flameair or other suitable gases in an amount needed for combustion. Inaddition, the cover may protect persons or flammable objects fromcontacting the flame.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a flame control system 10that incorporates various aspects of the invention. In this illustrativeembodiment, a candle 1 is arranged within a cover 2 that defines anenclosed area in which the candle's flame may burn for an extendedperiod, e.g., 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour, or more. Although the cover2 may be made in any suitable arrangement, in this embodiment the cover2 is made of glass and has a hemispherical, bowl-like or dome-likeshape. The cover 2 may be air-tight, e.g., include an upper portion withno holes or openings to allow air to pass. In one illustrativeembodiment, the cover 2 defines a dome-shaped interior area having avolume larger than the enclosed candle with the bottom of the cover 2having a diameter of approximately 2.5 inches and a height ofapproximately 3.5 inches. The candle 1, which may be a tealight candle,may be placed inside the enclosed area of the cover 2 on a support 3that has an air inlet 4 that allows air to enter into the enclosed area.Air for combustion of the candle flame may be introduced into theenclosed area by way of an air movement device 5, e.g., a fan, movingair into the enclosed area. Exhaust gases generated by the candle flamemay be exhausted via an exhaust outlet 7. The enclosed area may bearranged so that the candle flame extinguishes if the air movementdevice 5 reduces the amount of air supplied through the air inlet 4 intothe enclosed area below a threshold. That is, the fan 5 moves airthrough the air inlet 4 at a rate to provide sufficient air to keep theflame burning and exhaust combustion products through the exhaust outlet7. If the fan 5 slows sufficiently or is stopped, the candle flame willextinguish, e.g., within 5 minutes, 1-2 minutes, or less, as a result ofinsufficient air for combustion.

A controller 6 may be used to control the operation of the fan 5 and/orperform other functions. For example, the controller 6 may include oneor more switches (as shown) to control the power provided to the fan 5,e.g., a toggle switch that may be operated by a user to turn the fan onand off. In other embodiments, the controller 6 may control theoperation of the fan 5 based on detected environmental conditions or anyother suitable criteria. For example, the controller 6 may have a timerthat a user may set for a desired burn period, e.g., 1 hour. Thecontroller 6 may then allow the fan 5 to run for one hour, at which timethe fan 5 may be turned off and the candle flame extinguished.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment anddepicts air flow into the enclosed area defined by the cover 2. FIG. 3is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment, but showsexhaust flow out of the enclosed area. In this embodiment and as shownin FIG. 2, the fan 5 blows air upwardly toward a plurality of air inletducts 41, which each direct the air to move in a radial direction intothe enclosed area of the cover 2 relative to a vertical axis 8 at whichthe candle flame is approximately located. Each of the air inlet ducts41 leads to an inlet opening 42 though which the air enters into theenclosed area. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the air entering via the inletopenings 42 is directed radially away from the candle flame and towardthe cover 2. The air may contact the cover 2 and be reflected backtoward the candle flame, and may create a turbulent environment in theenclosed area. By introducing air into the enclosed area in two or moreradial directions, the air may be introduced to the flame in a morebalanced way, thereby avoiding “push” of the flame (causing the flame tolean in a direction away from vertical), avoiding substantial leaning ofthe flame and/or other deviation of the flame from a direction alignedwith the vertical axis 8. As a result, the flame may burn the candlemore evenly, creating less smoke and/or avoiding damage to the candleholder (i.e., a cup or other container in which the candle wax and wickare provided). In this embodiment, air is introduced into the enclosedarea in radial directions that are close to the horizontal, but itshould be understood that air may be introduced in any suitabledirection relative to the horizontal.

As shown in FIG. 3, exhaust gases produced by the candle 1 exit theenclosed area via exhaust ducts 71 that extend between exhaust openings72 in the enclosed area and exhaust outlet ports 73 which are positionedaround a periphery of the support 3. Pressure created by theintroduction of air into the enclosed area forces the exhaust throughthe exhaust openings 72 and out the exhaust outlet ports 73. As can beseen in FIG. 3, exhaust enters the exhaust openings 72 in a generallyvertical direction and is directed into a radial direction away from thevertical axis 8. The exhaust is output from the ports 73 in a directionthat is approximately horizontal, but the exhaust may be output in anysuitable radial direction relative to the horizontal. As discussedabove, radial exhaust output may help to disperse the scent or othermaterials produced by the candle 1.

Although the inlet and outlet openings 42 and 72 may be arranged in anysuitable way, in this illustrative embodiment, the openings 42 and 72are alternately arranged around a central region 31 of the support 3 ascan be seen in FIG. 1. Such an alternate arrangement may aid in properintroduction of air into the enclosed area, mixing of gasses in theenclosed area or other features. Other arrangements are possible, suchas having inlet openings 42 arranged in and/or near the cover 2 so thatair is introduced into the enclosed area in a radial direction towardthe vertical axis 8. Similarly, the outlet openings 72 may be arrangedin or near the cover 2. Similarly, although in this embodiment theopenings 42 and 72 are arranged below the candle flame, one or more ofthe openings may be arranged above the candle flame.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion 32 of the support 3that forms part of the inlet and outlet ducts 41 and 71 and the inletand outlet openings 42 and 72. Air movement caused by the fan 5, isgenerally upward initially and then the air is directed morehorizontally and radially to exit the inlet openings 42. Air enteringthe outlet openings 72 is directed to move radially outwardly from theopenings 72. This portion 32 of the support 3 may also form the centralregion 31 where the candle 1 is supported, i.e., on a side opposite thatshown in FIG. 4.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the flame control system 10 in this embodimentincludes a shield 9 that is arranged to resist human or other touchingof the cover 2. The shield 9 may have any suitable shape, and in thisembodiment has an approximately hurricane shade shape. The shield 9 maybe made of any suitable material, such as glass or plastic, may betranslucent, opaque, transparent, etc. The space between the shield 9and the cover 2 may be vented by vents 91 arranged at the lower end ofthe shield 9 and at the upper end of the shield 9. Suitable arrangementof the vents 91 may allow for convective flow of air through the space,helping to keep the cover 2 and/or the shield 9 cool. In thisembodiment, the exhaust ducts 71 do not vent into the space between theshield 9 and the cover 2, and the vents 91 for the shield 9 are separatefrom the exhaust outlet ports 73. In some embodiments, if the exhaust isvented into the space between the shield 9 and the cover 2, convectiveflow may cause the candle to continue burning even after the fan 5 hasbeen shut down, which may or may not be a desirable feature. The shield9 and the cover 2 may be attached to form an integral piece that isremovably received on the portion 32 of the support 3. Thus, the shield9 and cover 2 may be lifted from the portion 32, e.g., to allowreplacement and/or lighting of the candle 1, and then placed on theportion 32 to enclose the candle 1.

One potential advantage of a flame control system 10 having an airmovement device, such as a fan, is that products from the combustion ofthe candle can be more readily spread throughout a room or space inwhich the system 10 is located. This may be desired, particularly wherethe candle gives off a fragrance or other odor. Another advantage thatmay be provided by various aspects of the invention is a relatively highresistance of the candle flame to being extinguished by high winds orother air movement outside of the enclosed area. Referring to the FIG. 1embodiment as an example, high wind around the outside of the cover 2and/or shield 9 cannot easily enter the enclosed area to affect thecandle flame. Moreover, openings in the support 3 that allow outside airto enter (see FIGS. 2 and 3) may be baffled or otherwise arranged toresist air entering the support 3 at high velocity and/or at a high flowrate to further reduce the effect of high wind on the candle flame.

As is described in more detail below, the flame control system 10 may bearranged in many different ways while achieving desired flame control.In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the cover 2 is made of atranslucent glass material that is air-tight, i.e., includes no holes orother openings other than an opening at the bottom of the cover 2.However, the cover 2 (as well as the support 3) may be made of anysuitable material, such as a heat resistant plastic, ceramic or metal,may be transparent, translucent and/or opaque in all or some portions,and/or may have one or more openings in the portion above the coverbottom (e.g., to allow the light and/or scent of a burning candle toescape). If the cover 2 includes openings above the bottom in aconfiguration like that in FIG. 1, the openings may be sized, shaped orotherwise arranged so that the candle flame is extinguished when the fan5 or other air supply reduces air flow into the enclosed space of thecover 2. In general, openings in the cover 2 may need to be sufficientlysmall so that the air flow into/out of the enclosed space can becontrolled. It should also be appreciated that the cover 2 may be sizedand/or shaped to accommodate any type of candle, such as jar candles,votive candles, stick candles, oil lamps, etc. Moreover, a candleholder, oil lamp reservoir, and/or wick support may be incorporated intothe structure of the cover 2. For example, the cover 2 may be made ofglass with an integral oil lamp reservoir and wick support molded intothe cover 2.

The support 3 in this embodiment has a cylindrical shape, but may bearranged in any suitable way. For example, the support 3 may have acylindrical shape with a diameter similar to that of the cover 2(assuming the cover 2 has a cylindrical bottom portion as in FIG. 1).The support 3 may define a space to house the controller, air movementdevice and/or other components as desired. Also, the support 3 may bearranged to allow air flow into/out of a space defined by the support 3,e.g., to allow air to enter the enclosed space and allow combustionproducts to escape the space.

The cover 2 may include portions that have an optical effect on thecandle light, such as coloring the light (e.g., by filtering), intensityenhancement (e.g., by using materials on the cover that emit light inresponse to being heated and/or illuminated by the candle flame),focusing or dispersing light (e.g., by using a Fresnel or other lenselement or “frosting” portions of the cover 2, etc.).

The cover 2 may optionally include a well or other structure to supporta substance to be heated, such as an incense, oil or otherodor-producing material, either inside the enclosed space or on thecover exterior. The heat of the candle flame may heat the cover 2, whichin turn may heat the substance. For example, the cover 2 in the FIG. 1embodiment may have a depression or well formed in its top surface tohold an amount of incense. The incense may be heated by the candleflame, and give off a desired odor.

Although not shown in the FIG. 1 embodiment, the cover 2 may beselectively fixed to the support 3, e.g., so that a user cannot lift thecover 2 to expose the candle 1 without unlocking the cover 2 from thesupport 3. Cover 2 may be secured to the support 3 in any suitable way,such as by one or more clips, a screw-thread connection where a threadedportion of the cover at the bottom engages with a corresponding threadedportion on the support, by positioning a locking cage or other structureover the cover, etc. Also, although the FIG. 1 embodiment has the cover2 resting on the support 3, the cover 2 may be hingedly engaged with thesupport so that the cover 2 can be “flipped” up to allow access to thecandle 1 and “flipped” down to cover the candle. Other arrangements willbe appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Alternately, the controller 6 may detect conditions around the cover 2and control the fan 5 accordingly. For example, the controller 6 mayinclude a sensor capable of detecting an object within a predetermineddistance of the cover 2, e.g., by using an ultrasonic detector or othersuitable device. If the object is detected to be too close to the cover2, the controller 6 may extinguish the flame. The controller 6 maydetect other conditions, such as movement or a lack of movement of aperson in a vicinity of the cover 2 (e.g., using an infrared detector todetect that the candle is unattended), movement of the cover 2 to exposethe candle flame, a temperature in or near the cover that is above athreshold, and/or the presence of a flammable gas or vapor (e.g.,gasoline or natural gas). Based on the detected condition, a sensor mayprovide an electrical signal (in the form of a resistance, voltage,current level, break in continuity, digital bit or word, etc.) to thecontroller 6, which may control the candle flame accordingly. Detectionof movement of the cover 2 may be movement of the cover 2 away from thesupport 3 and/or movement of the cover 2 with the support 3 (where theentire system is moved, e.g., tipped). Movement of the cover 2 apartfrom the support 3 may be detected by a switch associated with thesupport 3 that is closed when the cover 2 in place on the support 3, andopens when the cover 2 is removed. Of course, separation of the cover 2from other portions of the control system 10 may be detected in otherways. Movement of the entire system may be detected, for example, by anaccelerometer, mercury switch, etc. that changes state in response tomovement of the support 3. Flammable gases and/or vapors may be detectedusing any suitable sensor as is known in the art.

The controller 6 may control air flow into the enclosed space bycontrolling the fan speed, by adjusting the number or size of openingsinto the enclosed space or otherwise adjusting the amount of airprovided into the enclosed space. When controlling the operation of thefan, the controller 6 need not be only capable of stopping the fan, butrather may adjust the fan speed, e.g., slow the fan sufficiently to slowthe candle burn or extinguish the flame. One or more openings into theenclosed space may be opened or closed or adjusted in size in anysuitable way, such as by a movable damper element, one or more flowrestrictors, etc. Adjustments to fan speed and/or opening size may bemade by a user or by the controller 6. For example, the controller 6 mayhave an adjustment knob that may be used by an operator to adjust thefan speed, and thus the burn rate of the candle.

The controller 6 may also provide a visual and/or aural warning based ondetected conditions or other system status information. For example, thecontroller 6 may display a flashing light or emit a warning tone whenthe cover 2 is moved or removed, the system is tipped, a hightemperature condition exists, etc. The warning may prompt a user tocorrect a situation that if not corrected, causes the controller 6 toextinguish the flame.

The controller 6 may also include a remote control unit by which a usercan provide operating instructions to the controller 6 from a distance.A user may use the remote control to extinguish a candle flame, adjust aburn timer setting, adjust a burn rate of the candle (e.g., toincrease/decrease the light output or odor output of the candle), oreven cause the controller 6 to automatically light the candle flame(where the controller 6 is suitably equipped). Such a remote controlunit may be capable of communicating with multiple flame control systems10, e.g., so a user could simultaneously ignite and/or extinguish thecandle flames for multiple units, or may be capable of individuallycommunicating with one or more flame control systems 10.

Although not shown in the illustrative embodiments, the controller 6and/or air movement device may be powered by standard householdelectricity, batteries, solar power, etc. Another possibility is topower the air movement device and/or controller using the waste heat ofthe candle. For example, a Stirling engine may be powered by the heat ofthe candle flame and used to move air into/out of the enclosed area. Thecontroller 6 may include any suitable electronic circuitry or otherdevices or components to perform desired functions. For example, thecontroller 6 may include a programmed microprocessor or other generalpurpose data processing device, user input/output devices, a visualdisplay, speaker for producing audible signals or tones, a power supply,etc.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference toillustrative embodiments, aspects of the invention are not limited tothose embodiments described. Thus, the description herein of embodimentsis intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Aspects of the inventionmay be used in any suitable arrangement.

1. A candle flame control system comprising: an enclosure that definesan enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is positionablefor an extended period, the burning flame being positioned in theenclosed area approximately at a vertical axis; a support constructedand arranged to support the candle with the burning flame positioned inthe enclosed area; exhaust outlets that direct exhaust from the enclosedarea in at least two different radial directions relative to thevertical axis; and an air movement device that causes air to be providedinto the enclosed area for the burning flame and causes exhaust from theenclosed area to move in the exhaust outlets; wherein the enclosure andthe enclosed area are arranged so that the flame of the candle continuesto burn while the air movement device forces air to move into theenclosed area, and when the air movement device reduces a flow of airprovided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flame isextinguished within 5 minutes.
 2. The system of claim 1, comprising sixexhaust outlets that are equally spaced radially relative to thevertical axis.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein each exhaust outletincludes an exhaust duct, and wherein exhaust enters each exhaust ductin a generally vertical direction and is directed in a directionradially away from the vertical axis.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe support includes a central region that supports the candle and theexhaust outlets are at least partially formed by the support.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the support includes a plurality of exhaustopenings arranged around the central region that form at least part ofthe exhaust outlets.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the supportincludes a plurality of inlet openings that form inlets by which air isintroduced into the enclosed area.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein theinlet openings and exhaust openings are alternately arranged around thecentral region.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the exhaustopenings leads to an exhaust outlet port that outlets exhaust in ahorizontal direction.
 9. The system of claim 5, wherein the exhaustopenings are located below the burning flame.
 10. A candle flame controlsystem comprising: an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in which aburning flame of a candle is positionable for an extended period, theburning flame being positioned in the enclosed area approximately at avertical axis; a support constructed and arranged to support the candlewith the burning flame positioned in the enclosed area; an air inletarranged to provide air into the enclosed area for combustion by theflame; and an air movement device that causes air to be provided intothe enclosed area via the air inlet for the burning flame; wherein theenclosure and the enclosed area are arranged so that the flame of thecandle continues to burn while the air movement device forces air tomove into the enclosed area, and when the air movement device reduces aflow of air provided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flameis extinguished within 5 minutes; and wherein the air inlet isconstructed and arranged to introduce air into the enclosed area so thatthe burning flame remains generally aligned along the vertical axiswhile burning.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the air inletincludes plurality of inlet ducts that direct air in a radial directionrelative to the vertical axis into the enclosed area.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the support includes a central region that supportsthe candle and the plurality of inlet ducts each lead to a respectiveinlet opening formed in the support.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinthe inlet openings are arranged around the central region.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the inlet openings are alternately arrangedwith exhaust openings that exhaust gases from the enclosed area.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein at least three inlet openings arealternately arranged with at least three exhaust openings around thecentral region.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein air travelsgenerally vertically in the inlet ducts and is directed in a radialdirection to exit an inlet opening and enter the enclosed area.
 17. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein air introduced via the plurality of inletducts reflects off of the enclosure and is directed back generallytoward the vertical axis.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the inletopenings are located below the burning flame.
 19. A candle flame controlsystem comprising: an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in which aburning flame of a candle is positionable for an extended period, theburning flame being positioned in the enclosed area approximately at avertical axis; a shield positioned around the enclosure and constructedand arranged to prevent human hand contact with the enclosure, theshield including vents to permit air to into a lower portion of thespace between the shield and the enclosure and to permit air to exit anupper portion of the space; a support constructed and arranged tosupport the candle with the burning flame positioned in the enclosedarea; and an air movement device that causes air to be provided into theenclosed area for the burning flame; wherein the enclosure and theenclosed area are arranged so that the flame of the candle continues toburn while the air movement device forces air to move into the enclosedarea, and so that when the air movement device reduces a flow of airprovided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flame isextinguished within 5 minutes.
 20. The system of claim 19, furthercomprising at least one exhaust outlet that exhausts gases from theenclosed area, wherein the exhaust from the enclosed area is directlyvented to an area separate from the space between the shield and theenclosure.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the support includes acentral region that supports the candle and a plurality of inlet ductsthat direct air into the enclosed area via a respective inlet openingand a plurality of outlet ducts that exhaust air out of the enclosedarea via an outlet opening, wherein the inlet and outlet openings arealternately arranged around the central region.
 22. The system of claim21, wherein air in the inlet ducts moves vertically and is directed toenter the enclosed area in a radial direction relative to the verticalaxis, and exhaust in the enclosed area enters the outlet ducts generallyin a vertical direction and is directed in a radial direction away fromthe vertical axis.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the air movementdevice includes a fan that moves air vertically into the inlet ducts.24. The system of claim 23, wherein the fan is located below the centralregion.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the enclosure includes adome-shaped translucent member.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein theoutlet ducts exhaust gases from the enclosed area to a position locatedbelow the burning flame.